AN MP is warning people not to give payment details to fraudsters claiming to be from NHS Test and Trace – as scammers try to cash in on the pandemic.

The real system is free and is part of government efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus by contacting people who have been in recent close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. But scammers are calling random numbers and telling people they must make a payment or be fined.

Shipley MP Philip Davies was contacted by residents who have been targeted.

He said: “People are so keen to do the right thing to protect their family, friends and communities that some people may believe what these fraudsters are saying and hand over payment. No one calling from the NHS Track and Trace system will ask for payment, they will only inform you of the contact with someone who tested positive and ask you to stay indoors. I’d encourage everyone to tell older members of their family, and anyone they think could be vulnerable to stop these despicable scammers. It is absolutely disgusting that people are using this pandemic to their advantage and posing as contact tracers trying to trick people into handing over their personal information.”